Oral care compositions comprising tin ions

ABSTRACT

An oral care composition with tin, polyol with five or more carbon atoms, water, and a pH of greater than 7. An oral care composition with a tin ion source, a fluoride ion source, a polyol with five or more carbon atoms, water, and a pH of greater than 7. Oral care compositions with a high tin ion availability.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions comprising tin and polyol at a pH of greater than 7. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising stannous fluoride and polyol with five or more carbons at a pH of from about 7.5 to about 10. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising tin, polyols, and polyphosphate at a pH of greater than 7. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising stannous fluoride or stannous chloride in combination with a polyol with five or more carbons and polyphosphate at a pH of from about 7.5 to about 10.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sources of tin ions, such as stannous fluoride, are added to dentifrice compositions to deliver antimicrobial and antisensitivity benefits. However, tin ion sources can be difficult to incorporate into dentifrice compositions due to (i) the reactivity between tin ions and other dentifrice components, such as silica, and (ii) the formation of insoluble tin compounds at particular pH conditions. Thus, the incorporation of tin ions into dentifrice compositions is only possible by minimizing interactions between tin ions and key dentifrice components during storage to maximize tin ion availability for reactivity with oral cavity surfaces, such as enamel, dentine, gums, plaque, and bacteria.

The chemical instability in solution of tin ions can be mitigated by lowering the pH of the solution, providing anionic chelants, such as anions of organic acids, or providing polymeric chelants, such as polyphosphates or polycarboxylates. Some of these chelants can also prevent tin ion interactions with the surface of silica molecules by binding directly to the tin ions. However, strong chelant-tin ion interactions can also be detrimental to tin ion availability if the chelant-tin ion interactions are stronger than binding affinity between tin ions and intra oral surfaces, such tin ion delivery is a prerequisite for performance against diseases of the oral cavity such as plaque, gingivitis, malodor, caries, sensitivity, and dental erosion etc. Thus, even chelant selection must be balanced with the overall dentifrice formulation to maximize tin ion availability.

Due to the chemical instability of tin ions in aqueous-based dentifrice compositions, stannous fluoride is not typically used in aqueous compositions without the use of chelants, such as gluconate or citrate. Moreover, high pH aqueous dentifrice compositions are even less preferred due to the potential formation of Sn(OH)₂, which can precipitate out of the dentifrice composition at a pH of greater than 7. Anhydrous conditions can be used to formulate stable compositions with stannous fluoride. Polyols, such as glycerin, sorbitol, and xylitol can be added to anhydrous dentifrice compositions as a replacement carrier material in place of water. However, polyols can be expensive relative to other carrier materials in water-based dentifrice compositions. Accordingly, there is a need for a stable, water-based dentifrice composition that does not require chelants, which can be detrimental to the tin ion availability in the dentifrice composition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify required or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this summary intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Disclosed herein is an oral care composition comprising (a) from about 0.0025% to about 5%, by weight of the oral care composition, of a tin ion source, (b) from about 5% to about 50%, by weight of the oral care composition, of a polyol with five or more carbon atoms, and (c) up to about 45%, by weight of the oral care composition, of water, wherein the oral care composition has a pH of greater than 7.

Disclosed herein is an oral care composition comprising: (a) tin; (b) polyol comprising five or more carbon atoms; and (c) up to about 45%, by weight of the oral care composition, of water, wherein the oral care composition has a pH of greater than 7.

Disclosed herein is an oral care composition comprising (a) from about 0.0025% to about 5%, by weight of the oral care composition, of a tin ion source, (b) from about 5% to about 50%, by weight of the oral care composition, of a polyol with five or more carbon atoms, and (c) from about 45% to about 75%, by weight of the oral care composition, of water, wherein the oral care composition has a pH of greater than 7.

Disclosed herein is an oral care composition comprising (a) from about 0.0025% to about 5%, by weight of the oral care composition, of a tin ion source, (b) from about 0.0025% to about 5%, by weight of the oral care composition, of a fluoride ion source, the fluoride ion source comprising sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, amine fluoride, or combinations thereof, (c) from about 5% to about 50%, by weight of the oral care composition, of a polyol with five or more carbon atoms; and (d) from about 10% to about 45%, by weight of the oral care composition, of water, wherein the oral care composition has a pH of greater than 7.

Disclosed herein is an oral care composition comprising (a) from about 0.0025% to about 5%, by weight of the oral care composition, of a tin ion source, (b) from about 5% to about 50%, by weight of the oral care composition, of a polyol with five or more carbon atoms and (c) from about 75% to about 99%, by weight of the composition, of water, wherein the oral composition has a pH of greater than 7.

Disclosed herein is an oral care composition comprising (a) tin; (b) polyol with five or more carbon atoms; and (c) polyphosphate; wherein the oral care composition has a pH of greater than 7.

Disclosed herein is an oral care composition comprising (a) tin; (b) polyol with five or more carbon atoms; (c) polyphosphate; and (d) up to about 45%, by weight of the oral care composition, of water; wherein the oral care composition has a pH of greater than 7.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the solubilization of tin ions at various pH conditions with sorbitol.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the solubilization of tin ions at various pH conditions with erythritol.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the solubilization of tin ions at various pH conditions with glycerin.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the solubilization of tin ions at various pH conditions with xylitol.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to oral care compositions comprising a tin ion source and a polyol with five or more carbon atoms at a pH of greater than 7 or from about 7.5 to about 10 in an aqueous oral care composition.

Tin ion sources are not typically used in aqueous dentifrice compositions at a pH of greater than 7 due to the formation of Sn(OH)₂, which can precipitate out of the dentifrice composition immediately upon mixing or while the dentifrice composition is stored prior to use by a consumer, thereby eliminating any benefit derived from free tin ions.

As such, aqueous dentifrice compositions comprising a tin ion source at a pH of greater than 7 are typically not expected to be compatible. Unexpectedly, and as described herein, stable dentifrice compositions comprising a tin ion source and a polyol with five or more carbon atoms at a pH of greater than 7 have been found to be shelf stable with minimal or no formation of Sn(OH)₂. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that when dentifrice compositions comprising a tin ion source and a polyol with five or more carbon atoms are properly formulated, the polyol with five or more carbon atoms can weakly interact with the free tin ions to prevent the formation of insoluble Sn(OH)₂ at elevated pH conditions. Additionally, the dentifrice compositions described herein would comprise components with lower costs to increase the commercial viability of such an approach.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description.

Definitions

To define more clearly the terms used herein, the following definitions are provided. Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions are applicable to this disclosure. If a term is used in this disclosure but is not specifically defined herein, the definition from the IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 2nd Ed (1997), can be applied, as long as that definition does not conflict with any other disclosure or definition applied herein, or render indefinite or non-enabled any claim to which that definition is applied.

The term “oral care composition”, as used herein, includes a product, which in the ordinary course of usage, is not intentionally swallowed for purposes of systemic administration of particular therapeutic agents, but is rather retained in the oral cavity for a time sufficient to contact dental surfaces or oral tissues. Examples of oral care compositions include dentifrice, tooth gel, subgingival gel, mouth rinse, mousse, foam, mouth spray, lozenge, chewable tablet, chewing gum, tooth whitening strips, floss and floss coatings, breath freshening dissolvable strips, or denture care or adhesive product. The oral care composition may also be incorporated onto strips or films for direct application or attachment to oral surfaces.

The term “dentifrice composition”, as used herein, includes tooth or subgingival-paste, gel, or liquid formulations unless otherwise specified. The dentifrice composition may be a single-phase composition or may be a combination of two or more separate dentifrice compositions. The dentifrice composition may be in any desired form, such as deep striped, surface striped, multilayered, having a gel surrounding a paste, or any combination thereof. Each dentifrice composition in a dentifrice comprising two or more separate dentifrice compositions may be contained in a physically separated compartment of a dispenser and dispensed side-by-side.

“Active and other ingredients” useful herein may be categorized or described herein by their cosmetic and/or therapeutic benefit or their postulated mode of action or function. However, it is to be understood that the active and other ingredients useful herein can, in some instances, provide more than one cosmetic and/or therapeutic benefit or function or operate via more than one mode of action. Therefore, classifications herein are made for the sake of convenience and are not intended to limit an ingredient to the particularly stated function(s) or activities listed.

The term “orally acceptable carrier” comprises one or more compatible solid or liquid excipients or diluents which are suitable for topical oral administration. By “compatible,” as used herein, is meant that the components of the composition are capable of being commingled without interaction in a manner which would substantially reduce the composition's stability and/or efficacy. The carriers or excipients of the present invention can include the usual and conventional components of mouthwashes or mouth rinses, as more fully described hereinafter: Mouthwash or mouth rinse carrier materials typically include, but are not limited to one or more of water, alcohol, humectants, surfactants, and acceptance improving agents, such as flavoring, sweetening, coloring and/or cooling agents.

The term “substantially free” as used herein refers to the presence of no more than 0.05%, preferably no more than 0.01%, and more preferably no more than 0.001%, of an indicated material in a composition, by total weight of such composition.

The term “essentially free” as used herein means that the indicated material is not deliberately added to the composition, or preferably not present at analytically detectable levels. It is meant to include compositions whereby the indicated material is present only as an impurity of one of the other materials deliberately added.

While compositions and methods are described herein in terms of “comprising” various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components or steps, unless stated otherwise.

As used herein, the word “or” when used as a connector of two or more elements is meant to include the elements individually and in combination; for example, X or Y, means X or Y or both.

As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are understood to mean one or more of the material that is claimed or described, for example, “an oral care composition” or “a bleaching agent.”

All measurements referred to herein are made at about 23° C. (i.e. room temperature) unless otherwise specified.

Generally, groups of elements are indicated using the numbering scheme indicated in the version of the periodic table of elements published in Chemical and Engineering News, 63(5), 27, 1985. In some instances, a group of elements can be indicated using a common name assigned to the group; for example, alkali metals for Group 1 elements, alkaline earth metals for Group 2 elements, and so forth.

Several types of ranges are disclosed in the present invention. When a range of any type is disclosed or claimed, the intent is to disclose or claim individually each possible number that such a range could reasonably encompass, including end points of the range as well as any sub-ranges and combinations of sub-ranges encompassed therein.

The term “about” means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement errors, and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such. The term “about” also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term “about,” the claims include equivalents to the quantities. The term “about” can mean within 10% of the reported numerical value, preferably within 5% of the reported numerical value.

The dentifrice composition can be in any suitable form, such as a solid, liquid, powder, paste, or combinations thereof. The oral care composition can be dentifrice, tooth gel, subgingival gel, mouth rinse, mousse, foam, mouth spray, lozenge, chewable tablet, chewing gum, tooth whitening strips, floss and floss coatings, breath freshening dissolvable strips, or denture care or adhesive product. The components of the dentifrice composition can be incorporated into a film, a strip, a foam, or a fiber-based dentifrice composition. The dentifrice composition can include a variety of active and inactive ingredients, such as, for example, but not limited to a tin ion source, a polyol, an abrasive, water, a fluoride ion source, zinc ion source, one or more polyphosphates, additional humectants, surfactants, other ingredients, and the like, as well as any combination thereof, as described below.

Tin

The oral care compositions of the present invention comprise tin. The tin can be provided by a tin ion source. The tin ion source can be any suitable compound that can provide tin ions in an oral care composition and/or deliver tin ions to the oral cavity when the dentifrice composition is applied to the oral cavity. The tin ion source can comprise one or more tin containing compounds, such as stannous fluoride, stannous chloride, stannous bromide, stannous iodide, stannous oxide, stannous sulfate, stannous sulfide, stannic fluoride, stannic chloride, stannic bromide, stannic iodide, stannic sulfide, and/or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the tin ion source can comprise stannous fluoride, stannous chloride, and/or mixture thereof.

The oral care compositions can comprise from about 0.0025% to about 5%, from about 0.2% to about 1%, from about 0.5% to about 1.5%, or from about 0.3% to about 0.6%, by weight of the oral care composition, of a tin ion source.

Polyol

The oral care compositions of the present invention comprise polyol. A polyol is an organic compound with more than one hydroxyl functional groups. The polyol can be any suitable compound that can weakly associate, interact, or bond to tin ions while the oral care composition is stored prior to use. The polyol can be a sugar alcohol, a monosaccharide, a disaccharide, a polysaccharide, or a non-reducing sugar. Sugar alcohols are a class of polyols that can be obtained through the hydrogenation of sugar compounds with the formula (CHOH)_(n)H₂, where n=4-6. Preferably, n is 5 and/or 6 because these compounds have been shown to unexpectedly interact with tin ion sources to create soluble complexes, as described herein.

The polyol can be glycerin, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, butylene glycol, lactitol, galactitol, and/or combinations thereof. Preferably, the polyol can be a sugar alcohol with the formula (CHOH)_(n)H₂, where n=4-6. More preferably, the polyol can be a sugar alcohol with the formula (CHOH)_(n)H₂, where n=5 and/or 6. Even more preferably, the polyol can be xylitol, sorbitol, galactitol, and/or mixtures thereof.

The oral care composition can comprise 0.01% to about 70%, from about 5% to about 70%, from about 5% to about 50%, from about 10% to about 60%, or from about 20% to about 80%, by weight of the oral care composition, of a polyol.

The oral care composition can also comprise an additional humectant, have low levels of an additional humectant, be substantially free of, essentially free, or be free of an additional humectant. Humectants, in general, serve to add body or “mouth texture” to an oral care composition or dentifrice as well as preventing the oral care composition from drying out. Suitable humectants include polyethylene glycol (at a variety of different molecular weights), propylene glycol, glycerin, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, butylene glycol, lactitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, and/or mixtures thereof. The oral care composition can comprise a polyol and an additional humectant, such as xylitol to interact with the tin ion source and glycerin to prevent the oral care composition from drying out during storage or add body to the oral care composition. The oral care composition can also be free of an additional humectant because the polyol can serve as both the polyol and the additional humectant, such as when the polyol is xylitol, sorbitol, or combinations thereof.

The oral care composition can comprise one or more humectants each at a level of from about 0.01% to about 70%, from about 5% to about 50%, from about 10% to about 60%, or from about 20% to about 80%, by weight of the oral care composition.

Abrasive

The oral care composition of the present invention can comprise abrasive. Abrasives can be added to oral care formulations to help remove surface stains from teeth. Preferably, the abrasive is a calcium abrasive or a silica abrasive.

The calcium abrasive can be any suitable abrasive compound that can provide calcium ions in an oral care composition and/or deliver calcium ions to the oral cavity when the oral care composition is applied to the oral cavity. The oral care composition can comprise from about 5% to about 70%, from about 10% to about 60%, from about 20% to about 50%, from about 25% to about 40%, or from about 1% to about 50% of a calcium abrasive. The calcium abrasive can comprise one or more calcium abrasive compounds, such as calcium carbonate, precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), ground calcium carbonate (GCC), chalk, dicalcium phosphate, calcium pyrophosphate, and/or mixtures thereof.

The oral care composition can also comprise a silica abrasive, such as silica gel (by itself, and of any structure), precipitated silica, amorphous precipitated silica (by itself, and of any structure as well), hydrated silica, and/or combinations thereof. The oral care composition can comprise from about 5% to about 70%, from about 10% to about 60%, from about 10% to about 50%, from about 20% to about 50%, from about 25% to about 40%, or from about 1% to about 50% of a silica abrasive.

The oral care composition can also comprise another abrasive, such as bentonite, perlite, titanium dioxide, alumina, hydrated alumina, calcined alumina, aluminum silicate, insoluble sodium metaphosphate, insoluble potassium metaphosphate, insoluble magnesium carbonate, zirconium silicate, particulate thermosetting resins and other suitable abrasive materials. The oral care composition can comprise from about 5% to about 70%, from about 10% to about 60%, from about 10% to about 50%, from about 20% to about 50%, from about 25% to about 40%, or from about 1% to about 50% of another abrasive.

Alternatively, the oral care composition can be substantially free of, essentially free of, or free of silica, alumina, or any other non-calcium abrasive. The oral care composition can comprise less than about 5%, less than about 1%, less than about 0.5%, less than about 0.1%, or 0% of a non-calcium abrasive, such as silica and/or alumina.

Water

The oral care composition of the present invention can be a dentifrice composition that is anhydrous, a low water formulation, or a high water formulation. In total, the oral care composition can comprise from 0% to about 99%, about 20% or greater, about 30% or greater, about 50% or greater, up to about 45%, or up to about 75%, by weight of the composition, of water. Preferably, the water is USP water.

In a high water dentifrice formulation, the dentifrice composition comprises from about 45% to about 75%, by weight of the composition, of water. The high water dentifrice composition can comprise from about 45% to about 65%, from about 45% to about 55%, or from about 46% to about 54%, by weight of the composition, of water. The water may be added to the high water dentifrice formulation and/or may come into the composition from the inclusion of other ingredients.

In a low water dentifrice formulation, the dentifrice composition comprises from about 10% to about 45%, by weight of the composition, of water. The low water dentifrice composition can comprise from about 10% to about 35%, from about 15% to about 25%, or from about 20% to about 25%, by weight of the composition, of water. The water may be added to the low water dentifrice formulation and/or may come into the composition from the inclusion of other ingredients.

In an anhydrous dentifrice formulation, the dentifrice composition comprises less than about 10%, by weight of the composition, of water. The anhydrous dentifrice composition comprises less than about 5%, less than about 1%, or 0%, by weight of the composition, of water. The water may be added to the anhydrous formulation and/or may come into the dentifrice composition from the inclusion of other ingredients.

The dentifrice composition can also comprise other orally acceptable carrier materials, such as alcohol, humectants, polymers, surfactants, and acceptance improving agents, such as flavoring, sweetening, coloring and/or cooling agents.

The oral care composition can also be a mouth rinse formulation. A mouth rinse formulation can comprise from about 75% to about 99%, from about 75% to about 95%, or from about 80% to about 95% of water.

pH

The oral care composition can comprise one or more buffering agents. Buffering agents, as used herein, refer to agents that can be used to adjust the slurry pH of the oral care compositions to a range of greater than 7, from greater than 7 to about 14, about 7.5 or greater, about 8 or greater, from about 7.5 to about 10, greater than 7 to about 10, from about 8 to about 10, from about 8 to about 9.5, or from about 8.5 to about 9. The pH of a mouthrinse solution can be determined as the pH of the neat solution. The pH of a dentifrice composition can be determined as a slurry pH, which is the pH of a mixture of the dentifrice composition and water, such as a 1:4, 1:3, or 1:2 mixture of the dentifrice composition and water. The buffering agents include alkali metal hydroxides, carbonates, sesquicarbonates, borates, silicates, phosphates, imidazole, and mixtures thereof. Specific buffering agents include monosodium phosphate, trisodium phosphate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, alkali metal carbonate salts, sodium carbonate, imidazole, pyrophosphate salts, citric acid, and sodium citrate. The oral care composition can comprise one or more buffering agents each at a level of from about 0.1% to about 30%, from about 1% to about 10%, or from about 1.5% to about 3%, by weight of the present composition.

Zinc

The oral care composition can comprise zinc. The zinc can be provided by a zinc ion source. The zinc ion source can comprise one or more zinc containing compounds, such as zinc fluoride, zinc lactate, zinc oxide, zinc phosphate, zinc chloride, zinc acetate, zinc hexafluorozirconate, zinc sulfate, zinc tartrate, zinc gluconate, zinc citrate, zinc malate, zinc glycinate, zinc pyrophosphate, zinc metaphosphate, zinc oxalate, and/or zinc carbonate.

The zinc ion source may be present in the total oral care composition at an amount of from about 0.01% to about 5%, from about 0.2% to about 1%, from about 0.5% to about 1.5%, or from about 0.3% to about 0.6%, by weight of the oral care composition.

Fluoride

The oral care composition can comprise fluoride. The fluoride can be provided by a fluoride ion source. The fluoride ion source can comprise one or more fluoride containing compounds, such as stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, amine fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, zinc fluoride, and/or mixtures thereof.

The fluoride ion source and the tin ion source can be the same compound, such as for example, stannous fluoride, which can generate tin ions and fluoride ions. Additionally, the fluoride ion source and the tin ion source can be separate compounds, such as when the tin ion source is stannous chloride and the fluoride ion source is sodium monofluorophosphate or sodium fluoride.

The fluoride ion source and the zinc ion source can be the same compound, such as for example, zinc fluoride, which can generate zinc ions and fluoride ions. Additionally, the fluoride ion source and the zinc ion source can be separate compounds, such as when the zinc ion source is zinc phosphate and the fluoride ion source is stannous fluoride.

The oral care composition can comprise a fluoride ion source capable of providing from about 50 ppm to about 3500 ppm, and preferably from about 500 ppm to about 3000 ppm of free fluoride ions. To deliver the desired amount of fluoride ions, the fluoride ion source may be present in the total oral care composition at an amount of from about 0.0025% to about 5%, from about 0.2% to about 1%, from about 0.5% to about 1.5%, or from about 0.3% to about 0.6%, by weight of the oral care composition.

Polyphosphates

The oral care composition can comprise polyphosphate. The polyphosphate can be provided by a polyphosphate source. A polyphosphate source can comprise one or more polyphosphate molecules. Polyphosphates are a class of materials obtained by the dehydration and condensation of orthophosphate to yield linear and cyclic polyphosphates of varying chain lengths. Thus, polyphosphate molecules are generally identified with an average number (n) of polyphosphate molecules, as described below. A polyphosphate is generally understood to consist of two or more phosphate molecules arranged primarily in a linear configuration, although some cyclic derivatives may be present.

Preferred polyphosphates are those having an average of two or more phosphate groups so that surface adsorption at effective concentrations produces sufficient non-bound phosphate functions, which enhance the anionic surface charge as well as hydrophilic character of the surfaces. Preferred in this invention are the linear polyphosphates having the formula: XO(XPO₃)_(n)X, wherein X is sodium, potassium, ammonium, or any other alkali metal cations and n averages from about 2 to about 21. Alkali earth metal cations, such as calcium, are not preferred because they tend to form insoluble fluoride salts from aqueous solutions comprising a fluoride ions and alkali earth metal cations. Thus, the oral care compositions disclosed herein can be free of or substantially free of calcium pyrophosphate.

Some examples of suitable polyphosphate molecules include, for example, pyrophosphate (n=2), tripolyphosphate (n=3), tetrapolyphosphate (n=4), sodaphos polyphosphate (n=6), hexaphos polyphosphate (n=13), benephos polyphosphate (n=14), hexametaphosphate (n=21), which is also known as Glass H. Polyphosphates can include those polyphosphate compounds manufactured by FMC Corporation, ICL Performance Products, and/or Astaris.

The oral care composition can comprise from about 0.01% to about 15%, from about 0.1% to about 10%, from about 0.5% to about 5%, from about 1 to about 20%, or about 10% or less, by weight of the oral care composition, of the polyphosphate source.

Surfactants

The oral care composition can comprise one or more surfactants. The surfactants can be used to make the compositions more cosmetically acceptable. The surfactant is preferably a detersive material which imparts to the composition detersive and foaming properties. Suitable surfactants are safe and effective amounts of anionic, cationic, nonionic, zwitterionic, amphoteric and betaine surfactants, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl isethionate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, alkali metal or ammonium salts of lauroyl sarcosinate, myristoyl sarcosinate, palmitoyl sarcosinate, stearoyl sarcosinate and oleoyl sarcosinate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, isostearate and laurate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, N-lauroyl sarcosine, the sodium, potassium, and ethanolamine salts of N-lauroyl, N-myristoyl, or N-palmitoyl sarcosine, polyethylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols, cocoamidopropyl betaine, lauramidopropyl betaine, palmityl betaine, sodium cocoyl glutamate, and the like. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a preferred surfactant. The oral care composition can comprise one or more surfactants each at a level from about 0.01% to about 15%, from about 0.3% to about 10%, or from about 0.3% to about 2.5%, by weight of the oral care composition.

Thickening Agents

The oral care composition can comprise one or more thickening agents. Thickening agents can be useful in the oral care compositions to provide a gelatinous structure that stabilizes the toothpaste against phase separation. Suitable thickening agents include polysaccharides, polymers, and/or silica thickeners. Some non-limiting examples of polysaccharides include starch; glycerite of starch; gums such as gum karaya (sterculia gum), gum tragacanth, gum arabic, gum ghatti, gum acacia, xanthan gum, guar gum and cellulose gum; magnesium aluminum silicate (Veegum); carrageenan; sodium alginate; agar-agar; pectin; gelatin; cellulose compounds such as cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl carboxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, and sulfated cellulose; natural and synthetic clays such as hectorite clays; and mixtures thereof.

The thickening agent can comprise polysaccharides. Polysaccharides that are suitable for use herein include carageenans, gellan gum, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, carbomers, poloxamers, modified cellulose, and mixtures thereof. Carageenan is a polysaccharide derived from seaweed. There are several types of carageenan that may be distinguished by their seaweed source and/or by their degree of and position of sulfation. The thickening agent can comprise kappa carageenans, modified kappa carageenans, iota carageenans, modified iota carageenans, lambda carrageenan, and mixtures thereof. Carageenans suitable for use herein include those commercially available from the FMC Company under the series designation “Viscarin,” including but not limited to Viscarin TP 329, Viscarin TP 388, and Viscarin TP 389.

The thickening agent can comprise one or more polymers. The polymer can be a polyethylene glycol (PEG), a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyacrylic acid, a polymer derived from at least one acrylic acid monomer, a copolymer of maleic anhydride and methyl vinyl ether, a crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer, of various weight percentages of the oral care composition as well as various ranges of average molecular ranges.

The thickening agent can comprise inorganic thickening agents. Some non-limiting examples of suitable inorganic thickening agents include colloidal magnesium aluminum silicate, silica thickeners. Useful silica thickeners include, for example, include, as a non-limiting example, an amorphous precipitated silica such as ZEODENT® 165 silica. Other non-limiting silica thickeners include ZEODENT® 153, 163, and 167, and ZEOFREE® 177 and 265 silica products, all available from Evonik Corporation, and AEROSIL® fumed silicas.

The oral care composition can comprise from 0.01% to about 15%, from 0.1% to about 10%, from about 0.2% to about 5%, or from about 0.5% to about 2% of one or more thickening agents.

Chelant

The oral care composition can comprise one or more chelants, having a molecular weight (MW) of less than 1000. The term “chelant”, as used herein means a bi- or multidentate ligand having at least two groups capable of binding to the divalent metal ions. Typically, those chelants useful herein will also form water soluble complexes with the stannous ions. Oral care compositions comprising silica abrasives typically include one or more chelants to reversibly bind the tin ions to prevent the tin ions from irreversibly binding to the surface of silica particles. Suitable chelants herein include C₂-C₆ dicarboxylic and tricarboxylic acids, such as succinic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid; C₃-C₆ monocarboxylic acids substituted with hydroxyl, such as gluconic acid; picolinic acid; amino acids such as glycine; phytic acid, salts thereof and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the chelant is sodium gluconate or a salt of citric acid.

The oral care composition can comprise one or more chelants each at a level of from about 0.01% to about 5%, from about 0.2% to about 2%, from about 0.5% to about 1.5%, or from about 1% to about 3%, by weight of the oral care composition. Alternatively, the oral care composition can be substantially free of or free of a chelant because the oral care compositions of the present invention comprises a calcium abrasive instead of a silica abrasive. Additionally, the oral care composition can comprise one or more chelants each at a level of less than about 1%, less than about 0.5%, less than about 0.1%, or less than about 0.01%, by weight of the oral care composition.

Other Ingredients

The oral care composition can comprise a variety of other ingredients, such as flavoring agents, sweeteners, colorants, preservatives, buffering agents, or other ingredients suitable for use in oral care compositions, as described below.

Flavoring agents also can be added to the oral care composition. Suitable flavoring agents include oil of wintergreen, oil of peppermint, oil of spearmint, clove bud oil, menthol, anethole, methyl salicylate, eucalyptol, cassia, 1-menthyl acetate, sage, eugenol, parsley oil, oxanone, alpha-irisone, marjoram, lemon, orange, propenyl guaethol, cinnamon, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, heliotropine, 4-cis-heptenal, diacetyl, methyl-para-tert-butyl phenyl acetate, and mixtures thereof. Coolants may also be part of the flavor system. Preferred coolants in the present compositions are the paramenthan carboxyamide agents such as N-ethyl-p-menthan-3-carboxamide (known commercially as “WS-3”) or N-(Ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-3-p-menthanecarboxamide (known commercially as “WS-5”), and mixtures thereof. A flavor system is generally used in the compositions at levels of from about 0.001% to about 5%, by weight of the oral care composition. These flavoring agents generally comprise mixtures of aldehydes, ketones, esters, phenols, acids, and aliphatic, aromatic and other alcohols.

Sweeteners can be added to the oral care composition to impart a pleasing taste to the product. Suitable sweeteners include saccharin (as sodium, potassium or calcium saccharin), cyclamate (as a sodium, potassium or calcium salt), acesulfame-K, thaumatin, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, ammoniated glycyrrhizin, dextrose, levulose, sucrose, mannose, sucralose, stevia, and glucose.

Colorants can be added to improve the aesthetic appearance of the product. Suitable colorants include without limitation those colorants approved by appropriate regulatory bodies such as the FDA and those listed in the European Food and Pharmaceutical Directives and include pigments, such as TiO₂, and colors such as FD&C and D&C dyes.

Preservatives also can be added to the oral care compositions to prevent bacterial growth. Suitable preservatives approved for use in oral compositions such as methylparaben, propylparaben, benzoic acid, and sodium benzoate can be added in safe and effective amounts.

Titanium dioxide may also be added to the present composition. Titanium dioxide is a white powder which adds opacity to the compositions. Titanium dioxide generally comprises from about 0.25% to about 5%, by weight of the oral care composition.

Other ingredients can be used in the oral care composition, such as desensitizing agents, healing agents, other caries preventative agents, chelating/sequestering agents, vitamins, amino acids, proteins, other anti-plaque/anti-calculus agents, opacifiers, antibiotics, anti-enzymes, enzymes, pH control agents, oxidizing agents, antioxidants, and the like.

Examples

The invention is further illustrated by the following examples, which are not to be construed in any way as imposing limitations to the scope of this invention. Various other aspects, modifications, and equivalents thereof which, after reading the description herein, may suggest themselves to one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Experimental Methods

Soluble Sn

This method is suitable for determination of soluble tin in oral care toothpaste or dentifrice compositions from about 5 to about 5,000 ppm Sn in the aqueous slurry supernatant. The slurry was prepared by mixing 1 part toothpaste with 3 parts water. An aliquot of slurry was acid digested, diluted, and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for each toothpaste measured. Results are reported here as ppm in the neat aqueous phase of the toothpaste and/or dentifrice.

Several standards and reagents were prepared prior to the beginning of the analysis. A 5% hydrochloric acid/5% Nitric acid rinse solution was prepared by transferring 100 mL each of concentrated HCl and concentrated HNO₃ using a graduated cylinder to a 2 L volumetric flask containing about 1 L of ultrapure, 18 MΩ (DI) water. The solution was swirled to mix and diluted to the mark of the graduated flask then mixed well by repeated flask inversion.

A 1000 mg/L tin and 1000 mg/L gallium standard solution were purchased (Sigma Aldrich, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) for preparation of the standard solutions according to TABLE 1. A pipet was used to transfer accurate quantities of the standards to a 50 mL volumetric flask while a graduated cylinder was used for the concentrated acids. After transfer, the volumetric flask was filled to the line with DI water and mixed well.

TABLE 1 Soluble Sn Standard Solution Compositions Conc Conc 1000 mg/L 1000 mg/L HNO₃ HCL Sn Std Ga Std Solution (mL) (mL) (mL) (mL) Cal Blank 2.5 2.5 0 0.2 Cal 10 mg/L Sn 2.5 2.5 0.5 0.2 LLOQ 0.5 mg/L Sn 2.5 2.5 0.025 0.2 QC 5 mg/L Sn 2.5 2.5 0.25 0.2

Slurries were prepared by weighing 2.00 grams of sample into a tared round bottom 38 mL centrifuge tube containing 10 glass beads. The weight was recorded to a minimum of 0.001 g. Immedicably before slurrying, 6.0 mL of DI water was transferred to the tubes. Tubes were capped and placed on a vortexer, mixing the samples for 60 minutes at 1200 rpm. The tubes were removed from the vortexer immediately following completion of the mixing cycle and placed in a centrifuge. They were centrifuged at 21,000 relative centrifugal force (RCF) for 10 minutes. Immediately following completion of centrifugation, the tubes were removed, and the supernatant was gently mixed by inverting slowly three times making sure the solid plug at the bottom of the centrifuge tube was not disturbed before the sample was decanted. The supernatant was then decanted into a 15 mL screw cap sample tube, making sure most of the supernatant was transferred.

The supernatant samples were then digested by accurately weighing (to 0.001 g) a 0.5 mL aliquot of supernatant into a 50 mL Falcon tube. Then 2.5 mL of concentrated HCl and HNO₃ were added. The tubes were covered with a polypropylene watch glass and placed in a preheated block digester at 90° C. for 30 minutes. The samples were removed the from the heat, the watch class was rinsed three times with DI water (with about 1 mL each time), and that rinsate was added to the digested supernatant. The gallium standard (0.2 mL) was pipetted into the digested supernatant and then the supernatant samples were diluted to 50 mL with DI water. The tubes were capped and mixed. A digestion method blank was prepared in the same manner using 0.5 mL of DI water instead of supernatant. A method blank was prepared and analyzed for each set of hot block digestions if more samples were prepared than could fit into the hot block at once.

The ICP-OES (Perkin-Elmer 8300, Waltham, Mass., USA) was operated by a trained and qualified operator with demonstrated capability of running the instrument and accurately determining the quantity of tin in oral care compositions. The ICP-OES operation parameters were selected based on the model and configuration according to the manufacturer's instructions. Samples were analyzed according to the following protocol:

-   -   1. The ICP-OES was preheated and optimized according to the         manufacturer's guidelines. Recommended system checks were         performed. The system was conditioned for 30 minutes prior to         analysis by running the HCl/HNO₃ rinse solution through the         sample introduction system.     -   2. The method for determining tin using a gallium internal         standard at the manufacturer recommended wavelengths,         integration times, and observation modes was loaded into the         operating computer.     -   3. The 5% HCl/5% HNO₃ rinse solution was used to rinse the         sample introduction system between the analysis of each blank,         standard, or test solution.     -   4. Three to five readings were recorded for all solutions during         analysis.     -   5. The calibration blank was analyzed.     -   6. The 10 ppm Sn standard was measured.     -   7. The 5 ppm Sn standard was measured.     -   8. The 0.5 ppm LLOQ tin standard was measured.     -   9. The method blank was measured.     -   10. The test solutions were measured.     -   11. The 5 ppm Sn standard was re-measured after every sixth test         solution and after the last sample. Enough standard was made to         complete the analysis.     -   12. The 0.5 ppm LLOQ tin standard was measured at the end of the         sample analysis.         The analysis was considered successful if the % relative         standard deviation of the replicate readings for the 10 ppm and         the 5 ppm tin standards was less than about 3%. The 5-ppm check         standard was within 96-104% of its value. The LLOQ was within         75-125% of its value. The method blank showed less tin signal         intensity than the LLOQ sample. The recovery of the internal         standard in each analyzed solution was within 90-130% of its         value.

The soluble tin was determined according to the following formula:

$\begin{matrix} {{{Soluble}\mspace{14mu}{Tin}\mspace{14mu}{in}\mspace{14mu}{Composition}} = {\frac{\begin{matrix} {{Sn}\mspace{14mu}{from}\mspace{14mu}{{ICP}\left( \frac{µg}{mL} \right)} \times} \\ {{Final}\mspace{14mu}{volume}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{test}\mspace{14mu}{solution}\mspace{14mu}({mL})} \end{matrix}}{{Supernatant}\mspace{14mu}{Weight}\mspace{14mu}(g)}.}} & {{FORMULA}\mspace{14mu} I} \end{matrix}$ Solubility of Tin Ions at a pH of Greater than 7

A 30% (w/w) solution was prepared for each polyol was prepared using the appropriate amount of the pure polyol and deionized water. Next, 46 g of the 30% (w/w) polyol solution was placed in a 250 mL glass beaker with a stirring bar on top of a magnetic stirring apparatus. 21 g of deionized water was added to the glass beaker and the magnetic stirring apparatus was started to commence stirring of the solution. A pH electrode was connected to a pH meter (VWR Scientific, Model 9100, Radnor, Pa.) and the pH electrode (ThermoFisher Scientific, Orion 8165BNWP, Waltham, Mass.) was placed in the stirring polyol solution.

0.45 grams of a tin ion source, such as stannous fluoride, was added to the stirring polyol solution. The pH was recorded once the tin ion source was completely added. The pH of the solution was increased by dropwise addition of a 33% (w/w) solution of NaOH.

Solubility of Tin Ions at a pH of Less than 7

A 30% (w/w) solution was prepared for each polyol was prepared using the appropriate amount of the pure polyol and deionized water. Next, 46 g of the 30% (w/w) polyol solution was placed in a 250 mL glass beaker with a stirring bar on top of a magnetic stirring apparatus. 21 g of deionized water was added to the glass beaker and the magnetic stirring apparatus was started to commence stirring of the solution. A pH electrode was connected to a pH meter (VWR Scientific, Model 9100, Radnor, Pa.) and the pH electrode (ThermoFisher Scientific, Orion 8165BNWP, Waltham, Mass.) was placed in the stirring polyol solution.

0.45 grams of a tin ion source, such as stannous fluoride, was added to the stirring polyol solution. The pH was recorded once the tin ion source was completely added. The pH of the solution was decreased by dropwise addition of a 33% (w/w) solution of HCl.

TABLE 2 Polyol Solutions with SnF₂ Polyol pH 2-4 pH 4-6 pH 6-8 pH 8-10 Sorbitol (6 Carbon) Clear Cloudy Cloudy Clear Xylitol (5 Carbon) Clear Cloudy Cloudy Clear Erythritol (4 Carbon) Clear Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Glycerin (3 Carbon) Clear Clear Cloudy Cloudy

TABLE 2 shows the formation of insoluble tin compounds, such as Sn(OH)₂, in the presence of a variety of polyols at different pH ranges. A solution that appeared cloudy indicated the formation of insoluble tin complexes. At a pH of greater than 7, a cloudy solution indicated the formation of Sn(OH)₂. FIG. 1-4 illustrates TABLE 2 by showing the appearance of each solution described in TABLE 2.

Dentifrice compositions comprising a calcium abrasive, such as CaCO₃ could have a basic pH (or greater than 7). Thus, polyols were screened for their effectiveness at preventing the formation of Sn(OH)₂. For example, an aqueous solution of sorbitol and stannous fluoride, was clear at a pH of from 2 to 4. However, as the pH rose, the solution of sorbitol and stannous fluoride appeared cloudy until a pH of from 8 to 10, which appeared clear. An aqueous solution of xylitol and stannous fluoride was clear at a pH of from 2 to 4. However, as the pH rose, the solution of xylitol and stannous fluoride appeared cloudy until a pH of from 8 to 10, which appeared clear. In contrast, solutions of erythritol/stannous fluoride and glycerin/stannous fluoride were cloudy, indicating that these polyols did not prevent the formation of Sn(OH)₂ at a pH of greater than 7.

While aqueous solutions of less than 4 were also observed as being clear, these pH ranges are undesirable because the solubility of inorganic calcium phosphate compounds, such as hydroxyapatite, is increased at lower pH conditions. In other words, while stannous can be stable at a pH of 4, tooth enamel can also be solubilized under these conditions.

Importantly, TABLE 2 surprisingly demonstrates that tin ions can form soluble complexes with polyols, which prevented the formation of insoluble tin compounds, such as Sn(OH)₂ at a high pH. The formation of insoluble tin compounds can decrease the tin ion availability, which can decrease the effectiveness of the tin ion source. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that sugar alcohols with five or more carbon atoms, such as xylitol (5 carbon atoms) and/or sorbitol (6 carbon atoms), can form complexes with tin ions, such as stannous, which can be soluble in water-based dentifrice compositions at a pH of greater than 7. Thus, stannous fluoride can be formulated into a water-based dentifrice composition comprising an abrasive that acts like a base, such as calcium carbonate, by pairing stannous fluoride with a sugar alcohol with five or more carbon atoms. This result is unexpected because while sugar alcohols with five or more carbon atoms can form soluble tin complexes, sugar alcohols with less than five, such as erythritol (4 carbons) and/or glycerin (3 carbons), do not prevent the formation of insoluble tin compounds, such as Sn(OH)₂, which indicated that these smaller sugar alcohols do not form soluble tin complexes at a pH of from 8 to 10 when combined with stannous fluoride in water. Suitable oral care compositions are presented in TABLE 3, TABLE 4, and TABLE 5.

However, as shown in TABLE 6 and TABLE 7, these suitable oral care compositions are visually stable, but can still demonstrate some amount of insoluble tin complexes. For example, Ex. 1, which initially had a pH of 7.3 only had an initial soluble Sn amount of 576 ppm. The soluble Sn amount of Ex. 1 dropped to 248 ppm by month 2. However, upon the addition of pyrophosphate (Ex. 3) or tripolyphosphate (Ex. 2) the soluble Sn amount was 1300 ppm (Ex. 2) and 1290 ppm (Ex. 3) initially and remained 1080 ppm (Ex. 2) and 866 ppm (Ex. 3) after 3 months despite the initial amount of the Sn not being altered. While not wishing to being bound by theory, it is believed that the additional polyphosphate molecule can further stabilize the Sn-polyol complex at a pH of greater than 7.

Additionally, this effect is even more impressive at a pH of 9 as Sn is even more reactive under these conditions. Ex. 4 (without polyphosphate) initially had a soluble Sn amount of 550 ppm while Ex. 5 (tripolyphosphate) and Ex. 6 (pyrophosphate) initially had soluble Sn amounts of 664 ppm and 709 ppm, respectively. This unexpected result was even observed after 3 months where Ex. 4 had a soluble Sn amount of 303 ppm, Ex. 5 (tripolyphosphate) had a soluble Sn amount of 513 ppm, and Ex. 6 (pyrophosphate) had a soluble Sn amount of 479 ppm.

TABLE 3 Oral Care Compositions Formula Formula Formula Formula Formula A B C D E Material Name % % % % % Water 21.11 21.11 16.89 32.89 27.19 Sorbitol 46.00 30.00 46.00 — 46.00 Xylitol — — — 30.00 15.00 Stannous Fluoride 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45 Sodium Fluoride — — — — — Stannous Chloride 0.56 0.56 0.56 0.56 0.56 Sodium Acid — — 3.17 3.17 3.17 Pyrophosphate Sodium Citrate — — — — — Dihydrate USP Sodium Gluconate 1.30 1.30 1.00 1.00 1.00 Hydrated Silica 17.50 — 17.50 17.50 — Calcium Carbonate — 35.00 — — — Carrageenan 1.50 1.00 1.50 1.50 1.50 Xanthan Gum 0.88 0.88 0.88 0.88 0.88 Sodium Lauryl 6.50 6.50 6.50 6.50 — Sulfate^(a) Flavor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 NaOH^(b) 1.40 0.40 2.75 2.75 2.75 Saccharin Sodium 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Titanium Dioxide 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 — Cocoamidopropyl 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 — betaine^(c) Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 ^(a)28% solution in water; ^(b)50% solution in water; ^(c)30% solution in water

In total, while not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the additional polyphosphate molecule can further stabilize the Sn-polyol complex at a pH of greater than 7. This is unexpected because Sn is known to be less stable at a pH above 7, yet these pH conditions are more favorable for remineralization of enamel. As such, compositions that can utilize these conditions can deliver unique chemistries to the teeth.

TABLE 4 Compositions Ingredients Ex. 1 (wt %) Ex. 2 (wt %) Ex. 3 (wt %) Sorbitol 48.6829 45.6829 46.6829 (70% Solution) Water 17.8641 17.8641 17.8641 NaF 0.2430 0.2430 0.2430 NaOH 1.1000 1.1000 1.1000 (50% Solution) Silica 17.5000 17.5000 17.5000 Saccharin 0.4500 0.4500 0.4500 Xanthan Gum 0.8750 0.8750 0.8750 Carrageenan 1.5000 1.5000 1.5000 TiO₂ 0.5000 0.5000 0.5000 SLS (28% Solution) 5.6250 5.6250 5.6250 Cocamidopropyl 1.5000 1.5000 1.5000 Betaine (30% Solution) Flavor 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 Gantrez ® 2.0000 2.0000 2.0000 Stannous Chloride 1.1600 1.1600 1.1600 Tripolyphosphate — 3.0000 — Pyrophosphate — — 2.0000

TABLE 5 Compositions Ingredients Ex. 4 (wt %) Ex. 5 (wt %) Ex. 6 (wt %) Sorbitol 48.4460 46.4560 46.4560 (70% Solution) Water 19.5300 18.5200 18.5200 SnF₂ 0.4540 0.4540 0.4540 SnCl₂ 0.2500 0.2500 0.2500 NaOH 0.8700 0.8700 0.8700 (50% Solution) Silica 17.5000 17.5000 17.5000 Saccharin 0.4500 0.4500 0.4500 Xanthan Gum 0.8750 0.8750 0.8750 Carrageenan 1.5000 1.5000 1.5000 TiO₂ 0.5000 0.5000 0.5000 SLS (28% Solution) 5.6250 5.6250 5.6250 Cocamidopropyl 1.5000 1.5000 1.5000 Betaine (30% Solution) Flavor 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 Cooling Agent 1.5000 1.5000 1.5000 Tripolyphosphate — 3 — Pyrophosphate — — 3

TABLE 6 Soluble Sn at 40° C. in ppm Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 Months Comparative Tripoly Pyro Comparative Tripoly Pyro 0 576 1300 1290 550 664 709 1 560 990 1010 337 471 503 2 248 975 859 311 492 483 3 — 1080 866 303 513 479

TABLE 7 pH Stability at 40° C. Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 Months Comparative Tripoly Pyro Comparative Tripoly Pyro 0 7.3 7.9 7.5 8.9 8.8 9.1 1 7.0 7.2 7.7 8.7 8.6 9.0 2 6.9 7.1 7.7 8.7 8.5 8.9 3 — 6.9 7.7 8.6 8.4 8.9

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A dentifrice composition comprising: (a) tin; (b) from about 5% to about 50%, by weight of the composition, of polyol comprising five or more carbon atoms; and (c) from about 10% to about 45%, by weight of the composition, of water, wherein the composition has a pH of from 8 to about 10 and wherein the composition is shelf stable at 23° C. with no formation of Sn(OH)₂.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the pH is from 8 to about 9.5.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polyol comprises xylitol, sorbitol, or combinations thereof.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises abrasive.
 5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the abrasive comprises silica abrasive, calcium abrasive, or combinations thereof.
 6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the calcium abrasive comprises calcium carbonate.
 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 5%, by weight of the composition, of zinc.
 8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the zinc comprises zinc lactate, zinc oxide, zinc phosphate, zinc chloride, zinc acetate, zinc hexafluorozirconate, zinc sulfate, zinc tartrate, zinc gluconate, zinc citrate, zinc malate, zinc glycinate, zinc pyrophosphate, zinc metaphosphate, zinc oxalate, zinc carbonate, or combinations thereof.
 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 15%, by weight of the composition, of one or more surfactants.
 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises thickening agent, the thickening agent comprising xanthan gum, carrageenan, a polyethylene glycol, a crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer, or combinations thereof.
 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein the tin comprises stannous fluoride, stannous chloride, or combinations thereof.
 12. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises fluoride.
 13. The composition of claim 12, wherein the fluoride comprises sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, amine fluoride, zinc fluoride, or combinations thereof.
 14. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is free of silica abrasive.
 15. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises polyphosphate.
 16. The composition of claim 15, wherein the polyphosphate comprises pyrophosphate, tripolyphosphate, tetrapolyphosphate, sodaphos polyphosphate, hexaphos polyphosphate, benephos polyphosphate, hexametaphosphate, or combinations thereof.
 17. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is free of polyphosphate. 